Click to read my Executive Summary.
Over the last eight years as City Commissioner and Vice-mayor, I’ve met with hundreds of residents and businesses across Wilton Manors. It’s very clear to me that they want thoughtful leadership that protects our quality of life and addresses our real challenges.
These six issues are consistently your top concerns.
1. Affordability in Wilton Manors
Affordability is in every conversation. Wilton Manors has become expensive for many people who want to live or work here. These are some of the steps I’m currently taking to ease housing affordability.
A direct, proactive effort is the most realistic path to expanding accessible housing options. To that end, I’ve had meetings with the Broward County Housing Authority to explore local properties that could support workforce housing. I personally connected the BCHA with two property owners and they are currently in ongoing discussions.
At a broader level:
- The Commission reduced the millage rate last year.
- We had approximately $450,000 in our Affordable Housing Fund. I pushed to activate those dollars for a First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program, allowing qualified buyers to receive up to $40,000.
- The fund balance was drawn down and has been replenished through new building impact fees. It now stands at approximately $145,000.
- We also used funds from this program to support the affordable Residences at Equality Park.
- At the state level, I have worked directly with our legislative delegation on broader affordability challenges, including property insurance and tax issues, while also advocating for state budget allocations benefiting Wilton Manors.
2. Development
Our residents know that development is necessary, but they’ve also made it clear that it must be responsible, financially viable, and aligned with our community’s character. Wilton Manors’ small-town feel, situated within South Florida’s larger metropolitan region, remains one of our greatest assets. That character is shaped by people and community engagement — not simply by buildings. Growth must strengthen that identity, not undermine it.
- To encourage investment, we updated height and density regulations – there was significant interest immediately after those changes took effect.
- I spearheaded a developer forum that brought together high-quality developers and financing institutions. Their feedback has helped guide our next steps and improve how we position the city for responsible growth.
- We are now evaluating adjustments to height requirements and minimum apartment sizes — particularly on the west side — to better attract serious investors while maintaining appropriate standards.
While the Commission approved several projects, many have not yet materialized due to external factors: inflation, interest rates, construction costs, title complications, and in one case, a property sale. Nonetheless, we have several projects with wide community support.
Current Projects
- Lennar – 50 townhomes under construction on the former church property on NE 26th Street.
- Generations / The Alchemist site – Demolition and building permit filings anticipated late summer.
- Andrews & Oakland Park apartment project – Still planned; currently addressing a county-related issue before proceeding.
- Shoppes of Wilton Manors – Property sold to Stiles Construction; preliminary plans submitted for four 4–5 story condo buildings and two commercial buildings fronting Wilton Drive.
- Wilton Yards – 18 townhomes under construction north of 26th Street, east of 6th Avenue.
- NW 25th Street – 18 new townhomes in early planning stages.
3. Parking
Parking is a top concern for residents and businesses alike. Parking requires a proactive and strategic approach — unfortunately it can’t be solved with expensive standalone structures that lack a return on investment.
These are some active proposals to ease parking constraints:
- We are negotiating a shared parking agreement with Bagels & Co. to use their lot during off-hours.
- We are in discussions with additional businesses about similar shared-use agreements.
- I have proposed creating temporary public parking at the north end of the Utilities lot behind the theaters to increase capacity along Dixie Highway as that becomes an important commercial center and the city is working on it.
To reduce parking pressures, we implemented Circuit ride-sharing and increased subsidies for Uber and Lyft. Importantly, these initiatives are funded through the dedicated parking fund — not general taxpayer dollars.
As we evaluate future development proposals, structured parking within mixed-use buildings will remain a priority.
4. Utility Rates – Water and Sewer
Utility rates remain a top priority for everyone.
For a little background, Wilton Manors purchases water from Fort Lauderdale and sends sewage to its treatment facility. The costs are passed through to Wilton Manors and residents, including markups. Given our size, establishing an independent water or sewer system is not viable.
Alarmed at hearing water bill horror stories, I became the first elected official ever from Wilton Manors to attend the Quarterly Large Users Group — the consortium of municipalities that purchase sewer services from Fort Lauderdale. My concern was that our residents may not be receiving equitable rate treatment. Since I began attending, we have greater scrutiny on rate formulation. Now, we are actively reviewing methodologies and working toward a fairer cost allocation among participating cities.
Locally, we continue investing in operations, maintenance, and infrastructure replacement. We have a long-range capital plan to modernize aging systems, increase capacity for future growth and protect service reliability.
5. Protecting Our Economic Identity
Wilton Manors’ diversity is not just a value — it is a proven economic driver.
Our inclusive identity fuels tourism, strengthens small businesses, and supports local jobs. Visitors are drawn here because of the welcoming environment we have intentionally cultivated.
Legislation that restricts our ability to celebrate and support our community’s identity risks real economic consequences. I have engaged directly with Tallahassee lawmakers regarding proposed DEI-related legislation to ensure Wilton Manors’ interests are protected. If signed by the Governor, it will be effective January 1, 2027. In the meantime, we are reviewing the vague legislation and evaluating options for us to continue with our support without jeopardizing the positions of elected officials.
6. Fiscal Responsibility
We need to keep a sharp focus on reducing costs and getting our fair share of state and federal funding. My commitment is to protect taxpayers while maintaining high-quality city services.
To keep a lid on costs means:
- Eliminating non-essential or duplicative spending.
- Making smart long-term investments, including technology upgrades.
- Evaluating and recommending the strategic use of artificial intelligence to reduce operational costs — which the city is now incorporating into daily functions.
We are also aggressively pursuing outside funding:
- $1 million federal grant for stormwater infrastructure.
- $1 million public safety grant.
- EV charging stations installed at no cost to the city — generating revenue rather than expense.
Strong financial stewardship allows us to maintain services, invest in infrastructure, and plan responsibly for the future.